What happens to your sheets when you don't wash them too often

Changing and washing the sheets is essential, as they become a breeding ground for germs and mites. Let's find out what happens if you don't wash the sheets and what the health risks are.

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Changing and washing sheets often is essential, and it shouldn't take more than two to two weeks. Because it's important? Remember that the human body is constantly losing skin cells, and since you spend about a third of your life in bed, many cells accumulate on the sheets.

Skin cells aren't the only things that accumulate in the bed; in fact, even themoisture from sweating can build up overnight, making bed sheets a breeding ground for germs and mites. Therefore, not washing your sheets often could cause serious health problems. (Read also: How to clean mattresses: 5 tricks and 5 mistakes not to do to remove all mites)

Risks to health

Here are some of them health problems that can arise when you keep the sheets on the bed for too long.

Acari: Dead skin cells that accumulate in the sheets are food for dust mites. Mites and their droppings can trigger asthma and allergies and contribute to eczema.
Problems with pets: Dog and cat hair is also food for dust mites. Also, if your 4-legged friend sleeps in your bed, the mites can irritate your skin. If you want to allow your pets to sleep with you, be sure to check their health regularly and change the sheets every week.
Germ gardenDead skin cells, sweat, saliva, fecal matter and other body deposits in your bed are a fertile garden for germs to grow. Some tests, for example, found that unwashed pillowcases for a week had 17.000 more bacterial colonies than a toilet seat. One bacterium that can linger in bed sheets is Staphylococcus aureus, which is found both on healthy skin and on cuts and other epidermal conditions.
Acne Problems: if you suffer from acne, you should change the pillowcase every two or three days. This is because bacteria, dead cells and general dirt in the pillowcase can contribute to blocking the pores.
Persistent germs: Whenever you or your family members are sick, bacteria and viruses can stay in the sheets for several hours, depending on the microorganism. Therefore, it is a good idea to wash your laundry more often to kill germs.

How to wash the sheets

Le sheets should be changed and washed once every two weeks, once a week if you sweat a lot or if you are allergic to dust mites. In the latter case, the washing water should be at least 54 ° degrees in order to kill the mites.

In case of flu, the sheets should be changed immediately after recovery to reduce the risk of reinfection. Use all-natural laundry detergent to keep sheets and skin free from exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.

Here are other useful tips and tricks:

do not make the bed immediately in the morning: let the humidity that may have accumulated in the sheets dry, this makes them less attractive for bacteria and mites.
uses a mattress cover and pillow covers, which are easy to wash.
shower or bathe before bed - this helps reduce dirt in your bed.
Provide a separate blanket for your dog or cat to lie down on, and wash it once a week.

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